DescriptionThis certification is appropriate for nonpublic and private academic schools in the appropriate areas.Certificate Valid for 99 YearsBe a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident holding a valid green card. Employment Authorization Cards are no longer accepted for certification purposes.Employment: Not Required

Minimum Academic BackgroundIn most states, teachers must have a minimum academic background for certification. The following is required for this route:BA Degree + Completed State Approved Teacher Education ProgramBA Degree + 18 Units for MA

GPA: 3.0

Basic SkillsIn most states, teachers must verify basic skills in English (Reading and Writing) and Mathematics through coursework, exams, or degree evaluations.
The following is required for this route:

NotesCandidates for a Secondary Teacher Certificate must have one of the following:
BA + teacher program OR
BA + 18 Semester hours in Content Language + 6 Semester hours in theory of secondary education, OR
BA + 18 Semester hours in Content Language + documentary evidence of a minimum of 1 year of successful teaching experience in a public, nonpublic non-licensed or accredited school.

ACT also accepted.

Applicants must submit official test scores to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality in an
envelope sealed by the test vendor.

Older basic skills tests taken at the time they were active, such as the PPST Reading, Writing, and Mathematics tests taken between September 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012, are accepted. (Note: PPST scores from vocational candidates are accepted if taken prior to September 1, 2014.) Refer to the testing CSPG 21 for more information about replaced tests.

Teacher PreparationIn most states, teachers are required to complete training in education methods through a teacher program.
The following is required for this route:
State Approved Teacher Education ProgramCourse needed: 6 Semester Hours of theory in Secondary Education.

Content Language and English Language ProficiencyIn most states, teachers are required to submit evidence of content language proficiency and English language proficiency through coursework, exams, or degree evaluations.
The following is required for this route:

English Language Proficiency: Oral, Out of Country Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. The ACTFL test called the “English Language, Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is required.
Passing Score: Advanced Mid.

Notes:World Language certificate candidates may take either the Praxis II in Chinese-Mandarin, French, German, Latin, Spanish OR ACTFL OPI, WPT when both are available. If the ACTFL option is selected, candidates should take the OPI or Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer (OPIc).

Applying to the State
In most states, teachers must apply to the state Individually or through their local School District, or Teacher Program Institution. Requirements for the application are outlined below:

Renewal: Nonrenewable
A temporary certificate can be reissued if the applicant completes 6 of the required credits toward full certification. If the temporary certificate expires before the 6 credits are completed, a new temporary certificate cannot be issued until the credit requirement is met.

Notes:Notice: Fee increase to $175 on 11/1/16

An application must be submitted through TIMS and include a request from the prospective employer written on school letterhead and signed by the school’s PDE approved education director.

A separate TIMS application must be submitted for each subject area that you are requesting.

Non-United States citizens can obtain private academic certifications if they submit a copy of a valid permanent resident visa (green card) with the TIMS application.

A photocopy of the front and back side of a Permanent Resident Visa (green card) or other visa if not a U.S. citizen if this is required for the credential sought.Act 114 extends the background check requirements to include student teacher candidates. The following three background checks are required:

1. Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check (Act 34). Applies to individuals hired as of January 1, 1986.

3. Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) in a manner prescribed by the Department of Education.

Applicants must mail all official college sealed transcripts with a TIMS application coversheet.

An Intern certificate may be awarded to a foreign national if they have demonstrated their intent to become a United States citizen, hold a current Immigrant Visa (Green Card), and hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree.

Applicants must obtain a Foreign Evaluation Report of transcripts.This evaluation must show US equivalent of all degrees plus a course-by-course evaluation showing semester hour college credits. Applicants must submit the original report or a notarized photocopy for the certification application.

A photocopy of the front and back side of the Permanent Resident Visa (green card) or other visa if not a U.S. citizen if this is required for the credential sought.A temporary certificate can be reissued if the applicant completes 6 of the required credits toward full certification. If the temporary certificate expires before the 6 credits are completed, a new temporary certificate cannot be issued until the credit requirement is met.

GENERAL NOTES FOR THIS ROUTETeachers who teach in a nonpublic school (religious school) registered by the Department of Education are not required to be Pennsylvania certified; however, the school can choose to request certification of their teachers.

Teachers who teach in a private academic school licensed by the Department of Education are required to be Pennsylvania certified through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.